Styrene reduction agent

ABSTRACT

A styrene reduction agent that effectively and economically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closed molding processes. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application derives priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/684,917 filed May 25, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the reduction of residual styrene froma thermoset resin and, more particularly, to a styrene polymerizationagent in aqueous environments that effectively and economically reducesstyrene emissions and effluents in moist environments.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The composites industry today is experiencing significant growth as anever-increasing number of industry applications are being found forreinforced plastics. This is largely owing to the durability, strength,cost and expected lifetime of such plastics. One application inparticular is the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) industry, in which pipingsystems are repaired through the application of resin compounds todamaged pipe surfaces while the pipes remain buried underground.Underground pipes are used for the transport of petroleum, natural gas,chemicals, municipal water, and the like. Due to exposure to a number ofinfluences over time such as, for example, temperature fluctuations,ground movements, corrosive fluids, etc., these pipes tend to crack anddamage. As a result, the pipes often are unable to successfullytransport the above mentioned fluids and thus become unsuitable fortheir intended use. The Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) method for repair cansolve this problem without expensive excavation. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,009,063 by Wood issued Feb. 22, 1977 shows a method of lining pipewith a hard, rigid pipe of thermosetting resin using a tubular fibrousfelt immersed in the resin to form a carrier for the resin. The immersedfelt and resin are expanded by an inflatable tube to shape the resin tothe passageway surface until the resin is cured to form a hard, rigidlining pipe with the felt embedded therein. The resin is a thermosettingresin which contains a catalyst, and hot air, water, a combination ofair and water or ultraviolet light (UV) is used to activate the catalystor UV initiator causing the resin to cure and form a rigid liner.

Another approach involves utilizing glass fiber which is woven into atubular shape. The glass fiber is impregnated with a thermosetting resincontaining a catalyst, and the resin is then cured. Carbon fiber may beinterwoven with the glass fiber such that curing may be accomplished byapplying an electrical current to the carbon fibers to generate heat. Asa result, the catalyst is activated and the resin cures forming a rigidpipe lining. In this instance, hot air or hot water is not required.

There are still other methods that rely on UV curing. In all such casesthe higher temperature or light provides the energy to cure thethermosetting resin, causing it to harden into a structurally sound,jointless pipe-within-a-pipe. Unfortunately, during the curing process,the curing water/condensate becomes contaminated with styrene that haspermeated through the film coating material. Indeed, the leaching ofstyrene through the coating material is apparent as an oily substance onthe coating even prior to installation. This poses grave environmentalhealth concerns for air emissions as well as process effluents releaseddownstream, into treatment plants, or in the case of storm sewerrehabilitation: streams, rivers, lakes, public and private watersupplies. During the process, employee and public safety is at risk.

Employee exposure is tightly regulated by an Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) workplace airborne threshold limit value(TLV) of 50 parts per million (ppm) in many states. Releases to the airare regulated by the Clean Air Act (CAA) National Emission Standards forHazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for plastic composites and boatmanufacturing. Releases to the water are regulated by the Clean WaterAct (CWA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the localDepartment of Environmental Protection (DEP) agencies have styrenelisted as a reportable hazardous chemical. California has listed styreneas a carcinogen. Other states have styrene listed as a possiblecarcinogen and a marine pollutant. Compliance to regulating authoritiescan only be met by cost-effectively implementing pollution preventivemethods and technologies that reduce toxic and hazardous emissions.

The problem is highlighted in the following article: “Odour Control—Morethan Sewage when Installing Cured-In-Place Pipe Liners”, NASTT No-Dig,March 2004, Gerry Bauer, P. Eng. & David McCartney, P. Eng, City ofOttawa. The City of Ottawa Canada identified five sections of sewer forrehabilitation by a cured-in-place pipe methods. The contract wastendered, but during lining of the initial sections, numerous complaintswere received from the public regarding an unpleasant odor in theirhomes. Investigations revealed that the odor complaints occurred as aresult of styrene. The solution mentioned in this report was to dilutethe air concentration with equipment, fans above a manhole. Regulatoryagencies require reduction at the source means and not by dilution. Notesting on the release water was implemented.

Another problem highlighting Cured-In-Place Pipe emissions is: “FumesFrom Va. Sewer Work Cited In Illnesses”, Washington Post Staff Writer,Annie Gowen, May 12, 2004, Page B08. The residents of the WarwickVillage neighborhood of Alexandria, Va. were affected by styrene fumesfrom a CIPP application to their sanitary sewer system. Highconcentrations were reported on hoses used in the operation, no testingfrom the source have been reported.

Yet another problem where health officials were called in toinvestigate, Schlitz Park Office Building, Milwaukee County, Wis.Styrene fumes entered the building through drains and foundation walls.Employees were evacuated and some missed work for months. Fans were usedto create airflow to dilute concentrations of styrene. Process watertesting at the source was not part of the investigation.

“Styrene is a common chemical component used in rubber and plasticsindustries to make packaging, insulation and fiberglass products. It isalso associated with combustion processes such as automobile exhaust andcigarette smoke. The odor threshold for styrene has been reported to be50 parts per billion (Plog 1988). It has been described as having asweet, sometimes irritant odor. It is slightly soluble in water and isvolatile. The most common health effects associated with styreneexposure are mucous membrane irritation and central nervous systemeffects (e.g. depression, concentration problems, muscle weakness,tiredness, and nausea). Recovery short term effects is typically rapidupon removal from exposure (ATSDR 1992)”. Health Consultation, SchlitzPark Office Building, WI, Sep. 13, 2005, U.S Department of Health andHuman Services, Agency for Toxic and Disease Registry, Devision OfHealth Assessment and Consultation, Atlanta, Ga.

There are conventional styrene reduction strategies including thefollowing:

-   -   1. Using low styrene content resins: Although many of these        resins are currently available from resin suppliers, this method        does not lend to every process, and the physical properties of        the final product can be affected. In some instances, the        reduction of styrene is not significant enough to make a        difference, and in some cases, styrene emissions may even        increase.    -   2. Using controlled spay-on techniques is another method for        reducing styrene emissions. This method is very effective and        works by controlling the amount of surface area of the wet resin        which is exposed to the air, whether spraying gel coat or plain        resin.    -   3. Addition of paraffin wax is another method of reducing        styrene emissions. This suppresses styrene emissions through the        film it provides but, in doing so, creates the problem of        secondary bonding between the laminates which can cause the        further delamination of the composite resulting in a structural        weakness.    -   4. Using alternate monomers is a forth method of reducing        styrene emissions. Alternate monomers such as methyl methyl        methacrylate, vinyl toluene and butyl styrene can be used, or it        is possible to use olygomers, which basically consist of two or        three molecules that have been combined. They work effectively        but can be very expensive and, in addition, some can be more        toxic than styrene or made from styrene derivatives, also        considered HAP and VOC compounds.    -   5. Using a closed molding process is another method. This can be        extremely effective in lowering styrene emissions, but equipment        cost and maintenance cost is a great disadvantage.    -   6. Using a styrene suppressant is another option.

Further to option 6, a number of styrene suppressant additives arecurrently available to the composite fabricator. They are most effectivewhen using the open-molding processes and, when properly used, canreduce styrene emissions during the curing stage of the composite.Styrene suppressant agents can effectively and economically reducestyrene emissions when properly used in any open-molding process.Specifically, the advantages of Styrene Reduction in CIPP Cure Waterare:

-   -   i. No additional equipment needed for as much as a 75% reduction    -   ii. Minor equipment needed for reductions above 75%    -   iii. Mixing not required, simply add required amount in water        soluble packaging    -   iv. Non-toxic, Non-Hazardous    -   v. Meets all compliance regulations

By way of example, Styrid™ is an existing Styrene suppressant additivemanufactured by Specialty Products Company to reduce the amount ofstyrene vapors escaping from the composites. Styrid™ and most otherstyrene suppressant formulations contain wax and other components thatproduce a film on the top of the laminate, creating a barrier whichprevents styrene, or organic diluents, from leaving the composite in theform of a vapor during the curing stage. Styrid™ creates a film similarto that provided by paraffin wax.

It would be greatly advantageous to preserve all the above-identifiedqualities of existing Styrene suppressant formulations and yet providean even higher level of effectiveness, and worker and public safety,with an advantage to economically reduce HAP and VOC emissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide astyrene reduction agent, initiator or oxidizer that effectively andeconomically reduces styrene, or reactive diluant, in Cured-In-PlacePipe, or other surface coating processes.

It is another objective to reach a higher level of effectiveness thanprior art reduction agents

It is still another objective to simplify the task of implementing thereactive diluent reducing agent directly into the curing medium in apredetermined quantity and an easy-to-calibrate manner.

It is still another objective to remove polymerized reactive diluantalong with small concentrations of un-reacted diluents that may remainin the process.

It is another objective to polymerize absorbed reactive diluants on thesurface of said coating of reactive diluents either: miscible, solublein water or non-soluble in water.

These and other objects are accomplished with a new and improved styrenereduction agent that effectively and economically reduces styreneemissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe or other surface coating curingprocesses. Generally, the invention comprises a calibrated mixtureincluding persulfate salts (Peroxodisulfates), and a method ofincorporating them into the Cured-In-Place Pipe process and thenremoving them from the Cured-In-Place Pipe processes in such a way as toreduce styrene emissions by 75% and more. More specifically, the mixtureincludes ammonium persulfate (APS) and/or potassium persulfate (KPS)and/or sodium persulfate (NPS) with sodium chloride (NaCL) combined inthe following preferred concentrations with acceptable ranges:

Product % by weight APS 30 KPS 35 NPS 30 NaCL 05

The calibrated amounts of the persulfate salt mixture are encapsulatedin a water soluble packaging for addition to the cure water. Preferably,the packaging comprises capsules for material handling and productsafety. The capsule(s) may be added to the cure water at anytime duringthe process. For example, the capsule(s) may be added prior to startingthe heating equipment, or boiler, for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process inorder to reduce the residual monomer, styrene, content in either theprocess or waste streams. The capsules facilitate quick and readydeployment of the mixture. Safety is a consideration for capsule(s)deployment due to wind and spillage, of the powder form, into theenvironment or on employee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a graphical analysis of the calculations for calibrating theamount of the present mixture to be added

FIG. 2. is a graphical depiction of the present styrene reductioncalculations indicative of the efficacy of the capsules.

FIG. 3. is a drawing of a StyRedux™ Capture System, when placed intooperation will capture, filter, polymerized styrene and non-polymerizedstyrene.

FIG. 4. is a calculation for the amount of styrene in the Cured-In-PlacePipe process water.

FIG. 5 is data series tabl.e and a graphical representation of apolymerization rate series analysis.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a suitable filtering system that may bedeployed in unison with the mentioned styrene reducing agent capsules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a styrene reduction agent, or“initiator/oxidizer”, that effectively and economically reduces styreneemissions and effluents in Cured-In-Place Pipe closed molding processesby means of emulsion polymerization.

Generally, the invention comprises a calibrated mixture ofperoxodisulfates, also known as Persulfate salts, and a method ofcalculating and incorporating them into the Cured-In-Place Pipe processin such a way as to reduce styrene emissions and effluents by as much as75% or more. In addition to the mixture itself, time and temperature arevariables in increasing reduction efficiency and overall conversion ofthe reactive monomers or diluents.

The general mixture of the present invention is a composite of sodiumchloride (NaCl) plus three persulfate salts: ammonium persulfate (APS),potassium persulfate (KPS), and sodium persulfate (NPS). The APS isavailable as a white crystalline powder which begins to decompose whenheated to 120° C. It is known as a strong oxidant and is widely used inthe organic synthetic industry as an initiator for polymerization ofpolymer compounds. The KPS is likewise available as a white crystallinepowder, soluble in water, and decomposes at temperatures ofapproximately 100° C. It too is a strong oxidant and has beentraditionally used for chemical bleaching, and as an accelerator forpolymerization of vinyl chloride resin emulsion. The NPS is alsoavailable as a white, crystalline, odorless salt. NPS is conventionallyused as initiator for the polymerization of monomers and as a strongoxidizing agent in many applications. The NaCL is conventional salt. Inaccordance with the present invention, The APS, KPS, NPS and NaCL arecombined in the following relative concentrations:

Optimum Preferred Amt Range (% by Possible Range Product (% by weight)weight) (% by weight) APS 32.5 25-35 0-100 KPS 32.5 30-40 0-100 NPS 32.525-35 0-100 NaCL 2.5 <10 0-10 

The ingredients are combined in powder form and, in accordance with thepresent invention, the mixture is compressed into soluble capsulescontaining calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsules are used inpackaging for dispersion. The capsules are preferably soluble gelcapsules (veterinarian grade), size SU-07, the largest currentlyavailable. Other types of packaging can be easily deployed includingdispensing powder directly, dispensing powder into an inert liquid andthen dispensing. Typical weight of one capsule is 30 grams+/−5 grams.

These capsule(s) may then be added to the cure water prior to startingthe boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order toreduce the residual monomer content in either the process or wastestreams. The capsules facilitate quick and ready deployment of themixture. While the amount per capsule may vary, the size of the capsuleor packaging may vary, the composition of the packaging may vary, or thepowder may be pre-dispersed in a non-reactive fluid, the specificguidelines for use herein described with a stepwise example.

Step 1. Calculate amount to be used for the CIPP liner. This isaccomplished with the assistance of either a software calculator or apredetermined “look-up” table. The software is based on extrapolationfrom laboratory testing data, and is essentially a spreadsheet equationbased on linear progression from absorption and extraction tests.

A. The input variables are as follows:

-   -   i. Diameter of pipe (inches)    -   ii. Length of pipe (feet)    -   iii. Process time at 180° F. (hours)        B. The outputs from the software are:    -   i. Amount of styrene in process water (ppm, gallons, pounds,        etc.)    -   ii. Amount of process water used (gallons)    -   iii. Amount of capsules to add to the water (capsule(s))    -   iv. Amount of styrene after treatment (ppm)    -   v. Percent removal accomplished (%)

The software module essentially calculates from the input variables theamount of process water used during the Cured-In-Place Pipe process, andcalculates the amount of residual styrene present in the process waterfrom collected data. The software then calculates the amount of residualstyrene that will be present in the process water, and calculates theremedial amount of the present mixture.

For example, given input variable as follows:

-   -   Diameter: 8″    -   length: 800′    -   Process Time@180° F.: 5 hours

The software output will be as follows:

Amount of styrene in the process water: 239 ppm Amount of water used forinversion/filling: 1,873.6 gal Note: General multiplier for cooling: x3:5,621 gal Amount of styrene present in the water: 0.49 gallons Amount ofstyrene present in the water: 3.73 pounds Amount of styrene in theprocess water after addition: Equal to or lower 28 ppm Percent StyreneReduction: 88% StyRedux ™ amount to add to the process water 4 capsules(1,873.6 gallons Amount of styrene present in the water after treatment:0.44 pounds (equal to or lower)

FIG. 1 is a spreadsheet analysis of the foregoing calculations for aspecific example, which conclude that a total of four (4) capsules ofthe present mixture (bottom right) should be added to achieve 90%styrene reduction, given 253 ppm styrene in 1,873.6 gallons of processwater. Note that cooling water is generally added to reduce the processwater below 100 degrees F. prior to release. Holes are put in theterminal end to release water while filling with cooling water. Coolingcycles range from one (1) to three (3) hours but vary according tothickness (thicker liners require longer cool-down cycles) and type ofresin system used. The total volume including cooling water is generally2.5 to 3 times the water used to inflate the liner and hold the lineragainst the host pipe or surface to be coated, in this example 5,621gallons. Treatment of 5,621 gallons is calculated by entering 2,454 feetwith one hour process time, the result being 6 capsules. If three hourcooling from 180 to 100, then 10 capsules and so on.

FIG. 2 is a table of styrene absorption rates. Generally, temperaturesused to cure the Cured-In-Place Pipe are 180 degrees F., within a rangeof from 120F-180F dependent on the type of initiator used. An assumptionand analysis of past gel data produces a theoretical maximum temperatureof 150 F prior to resin polymerization. Flux rates can be assumed butfor quantitative analysis, a 3.46 linear square inch of polyethylenefilm was initially weighed at temperature intervals. The weight of thesamples are taken on a per hour basis to record weight gain andtherefore absorption of the styrene. Styrene weight gain over time isrecorded as percentage, the final weight divided by the initial weight.Average values are computed at each temperature versus time and a sigmacomputed. The results show that the rate of absorption is more dependenton temperature increase than time in solution. The average values,styrene weight gain over time, may then be used for extrapolation. Forexample, extrapolation at 150 degrees F. would calculate a weightabsorption rate of 60%. In Cured-In-Place Pipe, the coating is exposedto the primary curing media on one side only, the interior of the liner.An assumption of 50% of the “weight % absorption” is considered fortreatment purposes. The weight % absorption number is variable dependingon type of resin used, % styrene or reactive monomer used.

FIG. 3 is a data table and graphical analysis of thermoplastic filmextraction rates and extrapolation. Several single linear square inchesof thermoplastic film, 0.01″, is weighed to obtain the initial weights.The thermoplastic film is then removed from the temperature environmentat different temperatures over time, and is weighed for styrene loss(weight loss). Temperatures recorded are 65, 100, 140, 160 and 180 F.Time intervals are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. Another table (at bottom) isthen constructed from calculating percent styrene weight loss over timeat the specified temperature. Average percentages recorded with theirrespective standard deviation provided results of dependence on time andtemperature. Based on Cured-In-Place Pipe operations, municipalspecifications and normal operating procedures, a temperature hold at180 F is generally three hours (3 HRS). Least squares calculations andbased on a trend-line log equation, result a weight extraction of −28.8%and an R squared value of 0.9853. Final calculation is the time weightextraction percent times the amount of styrene absorbed into thethermoplastic film, from FIG. 2 (0.288×3.1325), 0.903 with unit grams ofstyrene per linear square inch@3 hours.

FIG. 4. is a calculation for the amount of styrene in the Cured-In-PlacePipe process water using the “Thermoplastic Extraction” number 1.141grams of styrene per linear inch from FIG. 3. The calculation yields theAmount of styrene in process water, Amount of water in host pipe, Amountof water in boiler and hoses, all in pounds and gallons. Finally, theamount of Styrene in process water is calculated as grams of styrene perlinear square inch, and converted into pounds. A pound to gallonsconversion for styrene present is simply multiplier by weight per gallonfor styrene. Amount of water in host pipe entails a simple volumecalculation based on the interior liner diameter, 93% of Host Pipediameter (nominal dimension) and five feet excess for in and out ofmanhole (beginning and terminal end). Amount of water in boiler andhoses are rough estimates for boiler hoses variable for each project.The amount of Styrene in process water is a simple conversion forStyrene in Process Water in parts per million (ppm). FIG. 4 alsoprovides specific compositional information for APS, KPS and NPS. Mostimportant to any polymerization rate is the Active Oxygen Content, AOC,for this type of mixing of different AOC's. Time is a factor and basedon previous data tables, an AOC of 6.4% is typical. The output “6 phrpersulfates to 100 parts styrene” is a calculation of persulfates neededto polymerize the calculated Amount of styrene in process water (at thetop of FIG. 4). The weight per capsule (package) and number of capsules(packages) required for deployment are also provided at the bottom.

FIG. 5 is data series table and a graphical representation of apolymerization rate series analysis. In order to find the polymerizationrate of a reactive monomer, a starting point of 100 grams total mixturewas assumed: 90 grams water, 4 grams APS, 3 grams NPS, and 3 grams KPS,NaCL non reactive. Average AOC calculated at 6.68% and 10% by weight insolution, or 100,000 ppm with a ph of 2.7 and density of 1.23. half asmuch persulfate solution was utilized, 5.063%. The styrene watersolution was mixed at 0.001% styrene in water and 0.0004% of persulfatesolution added. Again a control sample taken, 43.899 grams for GCanalysis. The remainder of solution was divided into six vials withthree being cured over time. Reductions were recorded. The samples areanalyzed, tabulated and plotted for efficiency observation purposes. Thegraphical analysis suggest a 6 phr is sufficient to polymerize styrenepresent in water. The graphical representation suggest low gains inreduction above 6 phr and therefore a waste of material as well asdownstream chemical releases. From the data and field trialsaccomplished, conservative 4 phr is used, however upwards of 8 phr in asanitary sewer rehabilitation can be used if a short time frame forcuring is specified. Care must be taken not to raise the ph of thewater, not to corrode boiler equipment and not to release any un-reactedchemicals down-stream. With this in mind, a styrene reduction capturesystem may be employed to polish the water prior to release.

The following is an example calculation of the calibrated amount ofpersulfate salt mixture capsules for addition to the cure water for aspecific Cured-In-Place Pipe process

EXAMPLE 1

Tables 1-2 show an estimation of the calibrated amount of persulfatesalt mixture capsules for addition to the cure water for theCured-In-Place Pipe process product estimation of a 42″×625′ pipe.Estimates are based on 15″×220′ and 42″×350′ historical data. Waterusage is twice that of inversion water. Water usage due to: cooling,infiltration, addition to maintain head.Notes: Theoretical Invertion only: 350′=22,215 gallons, 13 capsules

Actual: Invert+cooling+inflow=44,100 gallons, 25 capsules

TABLE 1 1. Estimate water for inversion: 39,386 gallons 2. EstimateStyrene prior to treatment: (55 ppm), 9** hours Estimate styrene afterHours at 180 F treatment (ppm) Amount of capsules   9** 4 20 11 3 21 132 22 15 2 22 18 1 23 19-20 0 24

TABLE 2 Estimate water for Maintaining Head/cooling: 81,531 gallons, 9hours*** Estimate styrene after Hours at 180 F. treatment (ppm) Amountof capsules   9** 4 38 11 3 40 13 2 42 15 2 43 18 1 45 19-20 0 46Theoretical calculation for holding tanks when treatment is stopped at 9hours: 46-38 = 8 capsules/full tank (20,000 gallon tanks) 6capsules/half tank (10,000 gallon) Testing: EPA Method 8260B, Nopreservative (HCL/ACID/BASE), Sample 1 at 180 F., Sample 2 at 100 F.Estimate water for inversion: FRAC TANK INFO: 10k, 20k, 30k gallonsEstimate styrene Initial styrene after treatment Amount of Hours at 180F. Gallons (ppm) (ppm) capsules 3 10k 39-54 6</= 4 6 5</= 5 8 2</= 6 320k 39-63 6</= 7 6 4</= 8 8 2</= 9 3 30k 39-63 6</= 10 6 4</= 12 8 3</=15 Testing: EPA Method 8260B, No preservative (HCL/ACID/BASE), Sample 1at 180 F., Sample 2 at 100 F. The water may be safely released into asanitary sewer system at 0.73 ppm after 6 hours.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a suitable filtering system that may bedeployed in conjunction with the above-described styrene reducing agentcapsules to further remove the polymerized styrene, poly-styrene, in thecure water. The filtering system generally comprises an outlet hose (farleft) which is connected from the heat source (boiler) to a bypass valve“T” that provides a selectable bypass around one or more branches topolishing filter units (in the illustrated embodiment two are shown(Units #1 & #2), though one or more may be used. The bypass conduit isused during heating. During cool-down, process water flows are directedinto the polishing units #1 & #2. Conventional input and output pressuregauges may be provided at the branch points as shown (circles) tomonitor pressure. The polishing units #1-n are filter cartridge housingsloaded with filter cartridges. For present purposes, the filtercartridge housings may be commercially available units such as, forinstance, McMaster-Carr™ part no. 44395K86 Top-Load,Multi-Filter-Cartridge Housings with 2″ pipe junctions, rated at 100 GPMflow and approximately 10½″×49½″ in dimension. These may be loaded withpart no. 6632T24 polymeric absorbent filter cartridges each rated at 4.0GPM maximum flow, 40″ Cartridge Length, plus one or more part no.44275K72 stainless steel reusable filter cartridges, 40 Microns or less,10″ L cylindrical filters. Of course, other filter inserts may be used,and depending on the filters used in the filtering system, this willsupplement the capsules and catch the small amount of residual styrenein order to reduce toxics to storm-water, ground and or wetlands as wellas meeting or exceeding compliance limits. Time and recirculation cyclesare important variables prior to releases. Dependent on volume of water,multiple polishing units #1-n can be manifold together to improve flowrates and filter area. The advantages of a supplemental capture systemas described above is that the filter media captures the largermolecules of polymerized styrene, a semi-crystallized, hardenedmaterial, and therefore clogging is reduced. It is known that activatedcarbon filtering for styrene has a propensity to clog and furthercompels lower flow rates and significant contact time. Moreover, costsassociated with disposal or cleaning the activated carbon filteringmedia are high. It is, therefore, more advantageous to employ theabove-described equipment (with steel and/or polymeric filter media) inconjunction with the styrene reduction agent capsules to reduce toxicsto a minimum while keeping process time low and flow rates high. It mustbe noted that the best technology or work practices are always definedin relation to a specific company. For example, what might be the bestway to minimize waste at one company may be very different from the bestmethods achieving the same objectives at another company. In each case,what is the “best practice” or “best available technology” will dependon the availability of resources, what materials are processed, how theyare processed, what products are made, local community or regulatoryrequirements, and other factors. However, in all such cases the presentinvention will provide a styrene reduction agent that effectively andeconomically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closedmolding processes.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims:

1. A styrene reduction product for reducing emissions in cured-in-placepipe closed molding processes, comprising: a water soluble package; anda calibrated amount of styrene reduction agent contained in said watersoluble package, said styrene reduction agent comprising a combinationof all three of ammonium persulfate (APS), potassium persulfate (KPS),and sodium persulfate (NPS), wherein said styrene reduction agentcomprises approximately 32.5% ammonium persulfate (APS), approximately32.5% potassium persulfate (KPS), and approximately 32.5% sodiumpersulfate (NPS).
 2. The styrene reduction product according to claim 1,wherein said styrene reduction agent further comprises approximately 2%NaCL.
 3. A styrene reduction product comprising a calibrated mixture forreducing emissions in cured-in-place pipe closed molding processes, saidmixture comprising the following constituents in the following relativeconcentrations: Constituent % by weight APS 30 KPS 35 NPS 30 NaCL 05.